Celebrate, join the conversations during National Public Health Week 2021

By Sally Crocker

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Most days, the work of public health happens behind the scenes — a trusted friend who is always there to  help communities stay healthy and well. It’s in times of crisis that we really see how much we all rely on public health.

Over the last year, public health has made considerable strides to contain the spread of COVID-19, from the early days of 2020 when news of the pandemic first started building, up through today — and the job still continues.

National Ph Week LogoNational Public Health Week 2021 will be celebrated across the U.S. April 5-11. This year’s theme is “Building Bridges to Better Health,” recognizing the profession’s journey over the last year as well as the road ahead.

“Making communities safe and healthy is public health’s top priority,” said the American Public Health Association (APHA), sponsor of this annual event. “COVID-19 has made that even more important. In the midst of the most challenging public health crisis of our lifetimes, it’s more important than ever to celebrate public health.”

Daily themes this year will focus on rebuilding, advancing racial equity, strengthening community, galvanizing climate justice, constructing COVID-19 resilience, uplifting mental health and wellness, and elevating the essential and health workforce.

Along those themes, the HSC School of Public (SPH) will celebrate the week with the following events, presented by the Public Health Student Government Association:

  • “The Intersectionality of COVID-19 and Structural Inequity” webinar event on Monday, April 5, 6:30-7:30 pm. Panelists include Dr. Sylvia Trent-Adams, HSC Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer; Dr. Marc Fleming, HSC Pharmacotherapy Chair; and Tarrant County Public Health Division Manager for Immunization, Erin Beasley. The program will be moderated by Dr. Emily Spence, SPH Associate Dean for Community Engagement & Health Equity.
  • “Advancing Racial Equity: A Public Health Policy Perspective” virtual event on Tuesday, April 6, 3-4 pm, featuring Professor Erin Dowell, JD.
  • “Strengthening The UNTHSC Community” virtual event on Wednesday, April 7, 2-3 pm, featuring speaker Desiree Ramirez, HSC Chief Compliance & Integrity Officer, Institutional Compliance & Integrity. Moderating the event will be students Aminata Ka and Kayla Tate.
  • “Galvanizing Climate Justice: A Social Justice Issue” guided Ted Talk + Discussion on Thursday, April 8, noon-1 pm.
  • “Constructing COVID-19 Resilience: Moving Towards Equity” Ted Talk + Discussion on Friday, April 9, 3-4 pm.
  • “Reset with a Peloton Yoga Session” Uplifting Mental Health and Wellness Zoom event, Saturday, April 10, 10 am.
  • “Elevating the Essential & Health Workforce: Highlighting our SPH Alumni” on SPH Instagram, Sunday, April 11.

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